Precise Alcohol Detection for Greater Safety

A freeway filled with fast-moving vehicles during sunset. The scene, captured with a long-exposure effect, shows blurred streams of headlights and taillights from cars, trucks, and semis in multiple lanes traveling in both directions. Palm trees line the sides of the highway, and the sun is low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the busy traffic and the landscape beyond. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a dramatic backdrop to the vibrant, bustling rush hour.

Product Stories9 de jul. de 2025

Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents worldwide. Axetris provides high-quality infrared sources that serve as key components in measurement systems. These IR sources enable precise and reliable detection—both for police checks and in-vehicle applications—helping to improve road safety.

The Dark Side of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol plays a social role in many cultures and accompanies numerous occasions. At the same time, it is evident that excessive consumption poses long-term health risks and is associated with a variety of diseases. Alcohol becomes particularly critical where it impairs attention and reaction ability. Intoxication and irresponsible consumption significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially in road traffic.

Legally Defensible Measurement Technology for Law Enforcement

Alcohol tests conducted by the police are standard worldwide. However, most breath alcohol measuring devices are based on electrochemical cells, which are prone to errors and lose performance over time. Therefore, labor-intensive blood tests are often required to confirm the results.

Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Spectroscopy offers a solution:

Low maintenance: Minimal susceptibility to drift.
Durable: No age-related performance loss.
Precise: High measurement accuracy.

NDIR technology has proven effective in stationary devices and is increasingly being used in portable handheld instruments for mobile enforcement. Axetris plays a crucial role in ensuring that these systems operate reliably with its IR sources.

A police officer’s gloved hand holds a digital breathalyzer with a reading of 0.00, set against a blurred nighttime background featuring a police car with flashing red and blue lights. The scene suggests a roadside sobriety check, with reflective surfaces and car headlights visible, evoking a sense of caution and law enforcement presence.

Ignition Interlocks: Intelligent Accident Prevention

Despite frequent police checks, not every case of drunk driving can be prevented. Alcohol ignition locks, which prevent vehicles from starting when alcohol is detected, are typically based on electrochemical cells. However, their frequent calibration requirements incur significant costs.Newer approaches utilize infrared spectroscopy. Sensors integrated into the steering wheel or A-pillar can continuously analyze breath samples, while fingerprint sensors detect alcohol in the blood vessels of the fingers. Axetris supplies the IR sources that are essential for these innovative systems.

Long-Term Stable Measurement Systems for Diverse Applications

Infrared spectroscopy isn’t just ideal for use in traffic safety. It’s also well-suited for access control in sensitive areas such as high-security industrial facilities or public events. High-quality infrared sources play a critical role in ensuring the reliability of these measurement systems.

With innovative IR sources from Axetris, alcohol detection is being redefined. From accident prevention to secure access control, infrared spectroscopy enables precision and reliability for a safer environment.